Latest News
Using microwaves to make ammonia
Ammonia is becoming more crucial for the energy transition as renewable-power producers look to its potential as a means for energy storage. Typically made using the energy-intensive Haber Bosch (HB) process, solutions for decarbonizing NH3 typically involve the adoption of…
Chementator briefs
Steam Reforming Honeywell International Inc. (Charlotte, N.C.; www.honeywell.com) and ZoneFlow Reactor Technologies, LLC (ZFRT; Windsor, Conn.; www.zoneflowtech.com) have successfully conducted pilot-plant testing of the ZoneFlow Reactor in ZFRT’s large-scale pilot plant at Université Catholique de Louvain in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium. The…
This electrolysis cell produces high-purity iron
Processing iron ore is the most carbon-intensive step in the steelmaking process, often using coal as an energy source. A new technology, called Molten Oxide Electrolysis (MOE) aims to decarbonize the iron-ore process through electrification. “In the MOE cell, an…
A new approach to refrigeration with no global-warming potential
Traditional vapor-compression refrigeration relies on hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) as refrigerant fluids — a class of compounds with global-warming potentials (GWP) thousands of times higher than that of CO2. A new approach from scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBL; Berkeley, Calif.;…
Predictable plant-based production of complex biomolecules
Most plant-based bioprocesses involve growing plants in outdoor fields or greenhouses, but this is hindered by local climates and available space, and typical product yields are very low per plant, especially for natural active molecules used in pharmaceutical and healthcare…
Treating Wastewater in Bioprocessing Facilities
Bioprocessing facilities can achieve compliance, prevent downstream contamination and increase water reuse by using advanced oxidation processes Wastewater generated from bioprocessing facilities is heavily regulated in the U.S. by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA; Washington, D.C.; www.epa.gov) and various state…
Show Preview: Powtech 2023
From September 26–28, the bulk solids and conveying technology industry will gather at the Nuremberg, Germany exhibition halls. Powtech 2023 is a leading trade fair for processing and bulk-solids technology, with exhibitors from a number of sectors of the chemical…
Show Preview: Weftec
This year’s Weftec technical exhibition and conference (www.weftec.org) is taking place Sept. 30–Oct. 4 in Chicago, Ill. The event will highlight the newest technologies to address water- and wastewater-treatment challenges. This preview highlights a small selection of Weftec exhibitors.
Facts At Your Fingertips: Plant Cybersecurity Awareness
The expanding use of digitalization tools at chemical process industries (CPI) facilities, coupled with the ongoing convergence of operational technology (OT) systems with traditional computer information technology (IT) systems, has increased plant cybersecurity risks. All plant personnel play a role…
Optimizing Fluidized-Bed Drying Processes
Modern control technologies and industrial automation strategies can help processors use fluidized-bed dryers to drive competitiveness and profitability The ability of fluidized-bed dryers to achieve exceptional performance and deliver high-quality results in the controlled, gentle and homogeneous drying of wet…